[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1917]]



              JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY CRIME PREVENTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 1999

  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the 
Juvenile Accountability and Crime Prevention Act of 1999. This act will 
provide communities with the ability to take a comprehensive approach 
to holding first and second time non-violent offenders accountable for 
their actions. Additionally, the bill allows communities--in a 
coordinated effort--to treat offenders on an individual basis, 
maximizing the chances that a juvenile will not re-offend.
  The bill provides funding for Juvenile Accountability Coordinators 
who will:
  Conduct an in-depth assessment of juvenile immediately upon arrest;
  Contact the offender's parents or legal guardian, provide parents and 
guardians information on proceedings, needed services, and programs to 
help turn around the offender; and
  Work with the juvenile, their parents, school officials, and law 
enforcement officials to develop an accountability plan for the 
juvenile. Failure of the juvenile to adhere to the plan would result in 
a referral back to juvenile court. Sanctions in the plan could include 
restitution to the victim, victim/offender mediation, community 
service, drug treatment and counseling, and a commitment to remain drug 
free.
  In many localities, the courts are unable to provide swift 
accountability and individual attention to offenders. Sanctions 
specifically targeted to the individual juvenile which reflect the 
crime committed will decrease the likelihood of that juvenile re-
offending. Additionally, bringing certain offenders out of the court 
system expedites the process and allows the courts to deal with more 
serious offenders.
  This bill will help ensure that first and second time juvenile 
offenders don't fall through the cracks. Unlike other juvenile 
diversion programs, Juvenile Accountability Coordinators are with the 
juvenile every step of the way--from the time of arrest to the 
disposition of the case. They remain the focal point between parents, 
DAs, judges, schools, and the offender.
  Should a second offense occur, coordinators provide consistency and 
detailed working knowledge of the offender and his or her 
circumstances.
  This program has proven to be extremely successful on a smaller scale 
in Oregon. I would like to give other communities the opportunity to 
provide swift accountability and intervention to troubled young people.

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